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Monday, 8 May 2017

3 D Printing – The Futuristic Technology in Printing Techniques

3 D printing technology is the new and latest manufacturing technology where one can print their digital designs or models into a three dimensional solid object. First introduced in the 80s, in recent years this technology has been fast evolving into a more efficient method of production. There are different technologies and materials for 3D printing but all work on the same principle of printing where layer by layer, material is added and a solid object is printed.

How does it work?

For 3D printing an object, its digital design or digital model is required. The digital file is transmitted to the 3D printer after it has been split into thin layers. This is the basic principle on which various 3D printing technologies work. After this, the printing technologies differ in terms of materials such as plastic, rubber, sandstone, metals to name a few and are used according to the printer type. In addition to this, more and more materials are being introduced in the market every year for 3D printing technology.

History of 3D Printing

The futuristic technology of 3D printing was first introduced 30 years ago and since then this has evolved to what it is today. 3D printing process was first invented by Chuck Hull in 1983 and he initially used liquids which were light and curable. However, he later realized this process could be expanded to other materials also which were capable of taking any shape and not just liquids. With this, Hull laid the foundation for 3D printing which is also known as Additive Manufacturing (AM) today.

Uses of 3D printing

3D printing technology has opened avenues for many possibilities in varied fields. Initially, the use of this modern technology was limited to only the industrial sector but over the year’s 3D printing found its way into Engineering, Architecture and even in the Medical field. Designers, Engineers and Architects use this technology to create an initial model of their designs. Surgeons and highly qualified medical specialists create body parts to study them before surgeries that are complex to perform.Orthopedic surgeons 3D print bone grafts for their patients with bone injuries and deformities. Currently, researchers in this field are looking for a way to print small but vital internal body parts using organic materials that will help medical specialists to not only help patients recover from their injuries but also help them save lives.

Cost Effective

This modern and innovative technology has proven to be cost effective by cutting down on the manpower and utilized for manufacturing a product. Where large scale production is required, 3D printing helps in production on a larger scale in the same time and in a single and efficient process. Also, with this process, the product quality is consistent and uniform throughout. Additive Manufacturing process requires input at just one initial level after which the output process is completely automatic, which cuts down labor cost to almost zero.

Because of its efficiency and accuracy, it won’t be long before this technology replaces traditional methods of production as it helps produce a design in lesser time on a larger scale.